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Pros & Cons:

Advantages Comparison checklist CTs versus WCs

Advantages of the COMPUS TWIN over other types of compost toilet

The COMPUS TWIN vaults are designed for installation underground on level sites without the need for a basement or extensive ramp.

Unlike other designs of compost toilet this system does not rely on evaporation of urine which we believe to be unreliable in the UK climate. Urine separation means that the chamber does not require a drain. This makes the system suitable for sites with heavy clay soil or high groundwater.

The vaults are large enough to provide a level of biological and physical robustness that is not possible with smaller designs.

The design is mechanically simple with no moving parts except for a simple ventilation cowl.

The compost chamber forms the foundations and floor of the building. Foundations for the chamber are minimal.

The twin vault design allows for the removal of mature compost that is at least 1 year old.

The pedestal is designed to avoid fouling and to minimise the need for cleaning.

The system requires no electricity, water or sewage connection.

A COMPUS TWIN has a very low risk of smells in comparison with some other types of composting toilet. In fact we are confident that the risk of smells is less than with a WC due to:- (a) a ventilation system which operates from below the seat (b) urine separation (c) other design features.

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Comparison checklist

Question NatSol Other

1 Is the toilet guaranteed to be odour free in normal operation? Yes ?

2 Is a male urinal provided to ensure greater hygiene for all users? Yes ?

3 Is a vandal resistant building available? Yes ?

4 Can the system be installed in a day by an experienced installation team on a typical site? Yes ?

5 Can it be installed in all soil types - except bedrock? Yes ?

6 Can the toilet be installed entirely by hand without machinery? No ?

7 Does the toilet have full access for wheelchair users and without extensive ramps? Yes ?

8 Is the pedestal designed to minimise fouling during normal use? Yes ?

9 Is it necessary to add anything to the vaults to promote composting? Yes ?

10 Is the toilet system susceptible to mechanical or electrical breakdown? No ?

11 Is ventilation achieved without the need for electricity? Yes ?

12 Is urine separated or drained to avoid the need for evaporation? Yes ?

13 Is liquid (urine) drained at a high level to avoid the need for pumping on flat sites? Yes ?

14 Is the system design to cope with high peak use? Yes ?

15 Does it matter if the toilet is not used for lengthy periods? No ?

16 Is composted material kept separate from fresh faeces? Yes ?

17 Is the finished compost unpleasant to remove? No ?

You can download and print a version of this table which has more columns and use it as a checklist to compare different makes and models. Click here for: Comparison checklist
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Pros & Cons of WCs and compost toilets in general

Advantages of WCs

Very compact collection system

Perceived as hygienic

Through familiarity they are easy to use

Advantages of composting toilets in general

Complete collection and treatment system. No separate sewerage and treatment works required except maybe a simple soakaway to dispose of urine.

Can be cheaper to install than a WC and sewage treatment system or mains sewerage connection.

Zero water consumption.

No pathogenic 'aerosol' created by flushing; no splashing.

Good recovery of organic, nutrient rich material; no contamination of this with e.g. heavy metals.

Disadvantages of composting toilets in general

Will generally take up more space. Often difficult to fit into existing buildings. There is usually a requirement for some underfloor space.

Solid wastes might be seen down the toilet hole by anybody who can be bothered to look!

A different management regime than for WCs.

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	Question	NatSol	Other
1	Is the toilet guaranteed to be odour free in normal operation?	Yes	?
2	Is a male urinal provided to ensure greater hygiene for all users?	Yes	?
3	Is a vandal resistant building available?	Yes	?
4	Can the system be installed in a day by an experienced installation team on a typical site?	Yes	?
5	Can it be installed in all soil types - except bedrock?	Yes	?
6	Can the toilet be installed entirely by hand without machinery?	No	?
7	Does the toilet have full access for wheelchair users and without extensive ramps?	Yes	?
8	Is the pedestal designed to minimise fouling during normal use?	Yes	?
9	Is it necessary to add anything to the vaults to promote composting?	Yes	?
10	Is the toilet system susceptible to mechanical or electrical breakdown?	No	?
11	Is ventilation achieved without the need for electricity?	Yes	?
12	Is urine separated or drained to avoid the need for evaporation?	Yes	?
13	Is liquid (urine) drained at a high level to avoid the need for pumping on flat sites?	Yes	?
14	Is the system design to cope with high peak use?	Yes	?
15	Does it matter if the toilet is not used for lengthy periods?	No	?
16	Is composted material kept separate from fresh faeces?	Yes	?
17	Is the finished compost unpleasant to remove?	No	?

Pros & Cons:

Advantages of the COMPUS TWIN over other types of compost toilet

Comparison checklist

Pros & Cons of WCs and compost toilets in general

Advantages of WCs

Advantages of composting toilets in general

Disadvantages of composting toilets in general